1. How do you see India as a Wildlife country?

India is one of the twelve mega-diversity nations of the world which indicates an in numerous percentage of flora and fauna present in each varied geographical landscapes of the country. From the mighty Himalayas to enchanting Western Ghats, from deserts of Rajasthan to salt marshes of Gujarat, mixed patches of Sal and Teak forests in Central highlands to Tropical Wet Evergreen forests of North Eastern States, each one of them provide a plethora of rich wildlife.

2. What is your opinion about Indian Wildlife Conservation?

Wildlife conservation has been instilled in the minds of us Indian citizens since our very childhood. Various tribal communities as well as different religions altogether have always promoted the concept of 'living in harmony with the Mother Nature'. Due to India's overgrowing population, habitats are being destroyed in order to create urban spaces which is the main reason why human-wildlife conflict cases are on the rise. While multiple Wildlife NGO's, scientific researchers and forest departments are trying hard to maintain the ecological equilibrium, sustainable development still remains a challenge to conserve both natural and urban wildlife.

3. How do you see Maharashtra as a wildlife state?

Personally speaking, Maharashtra serves as a buffet for every wildlife enthusiast and nature lover. One can enjoy sighting Indian Grey Wolves and Striped Hyenas in Saswad and the next moment you'll be admiring the raptors that soar over the historic forts. Glancing at different morphs of Malabar pit viper and other nocturnal critters in monsoon at Amboli to getting wonderstruck in front of seasonal ephemerals bustling with endemic butterflies at Kaas plateau. Not to forget the promising National parks which tend to quench thirst of Tiger addicts. Maharashtra indeed, should be on the list for everybody.

4. Rajasthan or Maharashtra, which one would you prefer for shooting wildlife?

The dry deciduous thorn forests, deserts and grasslands of Rajasthan provide habitat for some elusive species like the Caracal, Desert Fox and globally threatened species like the Great Indian Bustard. While Desert National Park, Keoladeo National Park and Tal Chappar Sanctuary serve as a haven for resident as well as migratory birds, I would personally love shooting Cinereous Vultures scavenging on a carrion or a Caracal hunting in the backdrop of these surreal landscapes.

 

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Devesh Kumar is a Founder and Editor of the Explore Wild India Magazine which is registered by Govt of India under RNI. He is a wildlife researcher currently working and studying on Himalayan Red Panda and supporting the cause of Save the Red Panda with Red Panda Network and many organizations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aishwarya Laghate grew up in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh. She tells how a family visit to Satpura Tiger Reserve back in 2008 sparked the passion for wildlife which also led to making a career in the stream. She believes, scientific studies and creating awareness amongst future generations on Indian Wildlife will help conserving one of the most mega diverse countries of the world. Currently she is pursuing Master's in Wildlife Conservation from BVIEER, Pune.

(Photo. Aishwarya Laghate, The cutest camouflage of baby Bharal from Spiti Valley.)

© 2018-2020 EXPLORE WILD INDIA MAGAZINE MEDIA® Taken by Devesh Kumar with Aishwarya Laghate Media Reports – 2021 January Madhya Pradesh